Find the Good

Dear Friends,

Rolling up our sleeves to move forward on the Bay

Had I won the Legislative seat, it was always my intention to continue to serve on the Planning Commission and hand the reins over to a new Chair.  As it so happens, that is not a decision I must execute and instead I shall remain at the helm as the Planning Commission moves diligently and thoughtfully forward to address the West Lakeshore Drive corridor.  Sarah Hadd, with Select Board approval,  has secured a Municipal Planning Grant which will aid us in this very important endeavor.

As many of you know, this area has been a challenge to many Commissions and Committees.   Among our community, there is a wealth of information and talent I hope to tap as we judiciously examine the opportunities offered in this unique area. 

HAPPY THANKSGIVING!

For Immediate Release

DATE: November 25, 2014

CONTACT: Sarah Hadd (802)-264-5602

Colchester, VT – The Department of Economic, Housing and Community Development (DEHCD) awarded $16,300 to Colchester in state Municipal Planning Grant funds to the Malletts Bay Village Project.   Colchester successfully competed against 58 communities and was one of 44 funded. 

Annually the Municipal Planning Grant program supports a range of locally identified initiatives to improve the quality of life and promote efficient growth and economic development in Vermont.

Colchester has long envisioned transforming the West Lakeshore Drive neighborhood into a community center with a recreation and tourism oriented focus. The Malletts Bay Village Project will create a holistic land use plan for the West Lakeshore Drive area of Malletts Bay that both recognizes the constraints of the area, such as traffic in the absence of the Circumferential Highway, and the opportunities for redevelopment as Colchester Fire District #2 evaluates serving the area with municipal sewer.  Design standards for new development will be evaluated as will standards for flood resiliency and green infrastructure. 

Previous studies call for action on implementing land use plans for Bay. The Town of Colchester has also  secured services from the Chittenden County Regional Planning Commission to determine the capacity of the West Lakeshore Drive corridor and the impacts of connector roads in the absence of the Circ. 

Noelle MacKay, Commissioner of the Department of Housing and Community Development said, “Jobs, businesses, transportation options, and affordable places to live are dependent on proactive, community driven local plans and land use polices.  The MPG program helps communities develop the necessary planning and implementation tools – and makes it easier for families, communities and entire regions to thrive.”